Regardless how difficult peopleâ€™s individual situation might be there are just some things people are willing to continue to spend money on.

Makes you wonder just how much extra effort individuals are making in order to preserve the scarce financial resources in Dominica.

At every turn there are complaints in relation to how bad the economy is, but people are still willing to spend money into things that would offer them even a temporary getaway from the troubles they face.

This is why various shows and other programmes that provide entertainment are still desirable to Dominicans, even though some might be suffering silently.

This leads us to the point I think it very necessary to make when it comes to the stock of local entertainment.

Do these promoters not have auditions to see who fits nicely into the programme and who can bring something positive to the stage? Do they listen to some of the lyrics some of the entertainers, local and international, bring to share with their valued audience? The answer most of the sometimes is a very painful “no“.

Better needs to be done as it’s hard to spend money on a local entertainment which doesn’t justify the investment.

Of course there are some great exceptions at times but quite consistently these local performers are terribly lower the standard of the overall effort. And sooner or later these loyal paying patrons will realize that these types of entertainment donâ€™t measure up to their hard-earned dollars. But then again Dominicans are a special case.

Given the present state of the Dominican economy, the high levels of unemployment especially among the youth, and the debilitating rate of migration, one would think that the Dominica Labour Party (DLP) to find it difficult to convince voters that it deserves another term in office.

But when you consider the possible dept and weight of the DLP campaign purse, the predictability of the next general election becomes even darker as the 2010 elections draws nearer.

To quote Orson Scott Card:

“If pigs could vote, the man with the slop bucket would be elected swineherd every time, no matter home much slaughtering he did on the side.”

Money can have such a significant influence on the outcome of any election, I sometimes wonder why the Electoral Commission and the opposition in particular, have not address this growing issue.

Nevertheless, the issue of campaign financing is as important as voters identification and cleaning of the voters list before the next general election is held. But in our permissive society most people don’t see anything wrong with accepting political contributions, even though these funds are donated by drug dealers and criminals.

What can we as Caribbean people do to be more responsible for their financial situations?

What can we teach our children so that when the next economic downturn comes along they’ll be prepared.

One possible answer is to become better educated about what it takes to be financially secure. It’s no easy task, under the present circumstances, when so many of the different islands are struggling to get a financial foot-hold on their economy.

But besides educating our children about financial responsibility, we must keep a positive attitude, and more importantly passing on this behavior to our kids.

Here are some simple lessons we can teach kids as a part of their long-term preparation for adulthood. Not forget the basics: spend less, save and (cautiously) invest more, and always follow a plan.

1. Start by being honest with yourself about your situation, and then take positive steps to better understand and cope with your present situation.

2. Manage and track your spending.

3. Start a savings account, and save as much as you can.

4. Reduce credit card spending — try your best to stay out off debt.

5. Continue to learn — you are protecting yourself when you maintain a marketable skill.

6. Maintain health insurance.

7. Open a retirement account and add to it monthly. Take responsibility for your own future.

Even in a fluctuating job market, consider yourself capable, and acknowledge your potential by maintaining a positive attitude, and being kind to yourself. Recognizing the significance of our contributions and the validity of our participation, is an important factor in the development of our self-concept. It also helps build the confidence we’ll need to get over the financial hump.

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Dominica 2 (Bradt Travel Guide) second edition offers practical information on the growing health and wellness holidays, weddings and yachting parties as well as extended coverage of the rich cultural heritage. There is also a new chapter on the highly popular Waitukubuli National Trail.
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